I am a Rhode Islander. I know, the mansion is in Florida, but having grown up in the state of RI, I’ll ALWAYS say that’s where I’m from. My heart is there, my family is there and my friends are there. BUT MOST OF ALL, it is probably one of the most WONDERFUL places to live in the states.
Because living in Providence I could
- Be at the beach in about half an hour.
- Go skiing in the mountains in 3 1/2 hours.
- Visit great museums & art galleries in my own city.
- Walk the Freedom Trail in Boston in about an hour
- Take a bite out of the Big Apple (NYC) in 3 hours
- Enjoy World Class repertory theater downtown
- Take classes at an ivy league school (Brown) or the top Art School in the country (RISD)
- Dine at world renowned restaurants on the Providence waterfront
- and there’s still more
While all of those things make the state LOGISTICALLY perfect, there is ONE THING that makes it all the more special to me.
As an artist (I was a performing artist) who grew up in a state that encouraged and fostered programs for the arts, I was lucky. I had at my fingertips resources like Trinity Conservatory (which I was a part of BEFORE it was named that), RIGS (RI Governor’s School for talented youth in the arts) that I attended in the 70’s, an Arts Council that allowed me to share my work with others as I traveled from school to school teaching in the Arts in Education program, and a tight group of friends who encouraged each other to keep living their dreams.
In these tough economic times, the arts have been hit HARD. I would like to encourage you to shop for some of your holiday gifts from the wonderful artists and artisans that I still consider to be my friends at the
You’ll find special items that will be certain to make the recipient light up with joy. Take a look at Lodestar Wovens, which is my old friend Carol’s site. Her handwoven scarves and whimsical art doll’s are sure to put a BIG smile on anyone’s face.
You 
can shop for jewelry at Crooked Moon Mosaics, Designs by Wendy T, Elysian Fields and Mark Kaplan Jewelry. Wearables and accessories are on sale at shops like Friendly K8, Pink Lemonade, and JuJuKnits.
Whether you’re looking for a hostess gift, custom stationary and cards or pieces of art. Take a look at the various gifts that these wonderful artist are offering.
Shop at the Arts in RI website this holiday season and get 20% off your purchase.
Simply use the promo code: Champagne Living
kalea_kane says
Ahhhh…how nice to travel back in my mind! I was born in California, but moved to Rhode Island in my teens. I moved back to California at 38, and now I am in Arizona, but I fondly recall St. Patrick's Day in Newport, going to see Jai Alai when they didn't have slot machines, I sooooo miss Wickenen Street, and getting to take quick weekend trips to New Hampshire for some awesome outlet shopping. I was a little confused when I saw Trinity Conservatory, but realized it had to be Trinity Rep. 🙂 I am definitely going to have to take a look around the Art of RI. 🙂 Thanks for the memories. 🙂
Zippy says
Yes, Trinity conservatory was the drama school that was associated with Trinity Rep. I'm a RI girl….even though I no longer live there as well. It's that small state feel….